Kayode Ogunjobi Reflects on 12 Life Lessons from His Father at 95

As Pa Matthew Adegboyega Ogunjobi turns 95, his son, Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi, and CEO of ValidViewNetwork, reflects on a life that has evolved from imperfection to profound legacy—offering timeless lessons on resilience, discipline, and grace.

At 95, Pa Matthew Adegboyega Ogunjobi is not remembered as a perfect man, but as a transformed one. His story, like many, is marked by seasons of weakness, absence, and struggle. Yet, it is also a powerful testimony to the redeeming power of time.

According to his son, if life had ended much earlier, the narrative might have been very different—one defined by distance and missed presence. But time, he says, revealed a deeper truth: growth is possible, change is real, and a man’s story is never finished until the very end.

From this remarkable journey emerge twelve enduring lessons.

1. The Strength of a Gentle Spirit

Pa Ogunjobi embodies rare calmness. Known for his inability to hold grudges, he responds to provocation with quiet restraint, often saying nothing more than, “Oh. No!” His life teaches that true strength lies in self-control and forgiveness.

2. Discipline as a Lifelong Habit

His simple lifestyle—eating modestly and maintaining restraint—has contributed to his vitality. Even at 95, his physical strength reflects years of consistent discipline.

3. Broken, But Not Defeated

A life-altering illness once interrupted his prime, stripping him of status and presence. Yet, he returned stronger, starting afresh without bitterness, eventually rebuilding through teaching and craftsmanship.

4. Walking Away from the Past

Having once lived a social life filled with alcohol and gatherings, he made a firm decision never to return to those habits after recovery. His life reflects the courage to break unhealthy cycles.

5. Health Sustained by Grace

For decades, he has enjoyed remarkable health without dependence on medication—a testament, his son believes, to divine grace and disciplined living.

ADVERTISEMENT

6. Choosing Peace Over Wealth

To him, money has never been worth conflict. He prioritizes relationships and inner peace above financial gain, often choosing to concede rather than contend.

7. The Wisdom of Calmness

In moments of pressure, especially during his children’s demanding university years, he chose calm over panic—often insisting on food and rest before addressing problems. His belief: clarity follows calmness.

8. Living Without Burdening Others

Even in old age, he places no demands on his children. His rare requests and constant understanding reflect a life of contentment and empathy.

9. Simple Joys, Lasting Habits

His love for coffee—dating back to his early working days—remains a small but symbolic constant in his life, representing continuity and simplicity.

10. Generosity in Scarcity

He taught his children never to finish what they had completely, reminding them to always leave something for others—even “angels.” It was a lesson in kindness, even in lack.

11. A Heart of Gratitude

Gratitude defines him. No act of kindness is too small to acknowledge, and appreciation flows freely from him, regardless of circumstance.

12. Faith and Family Above All

A devoted man of faith, Pa Ogunjobi remains deeply connected to both God and family. He bridges differences in beliefs with love and unity, never speaking ill of others.

A Life Still Speaking

At 95, Pa Matthew Adegboyega Ogunjobi’s life stands as a powerful reminder that transformation is always possible. His journey underscores a simple but profound truth: as long as there is life, there is hope.

For Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi, this milestone is not just a celebration of age, but of growth, redemption, and legacy.

“Time,” he reflects, “has a way of refining a man’s story.”

⸻

A Prayer and a Celebration

As family, friends, and well-wishers celebrate this remarkable milestone, one prayer echoes: that many will live long enough to see their stories transformed—and leave behind legacies worth remembering.